What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hateful
Example
The hateful comments made by the politician caused outrage among the public. [hateful: adjective]
Example
She felt a hateful glare from her ex-boyfriend across the room. [hateful: adjective]
despicable
Example
The despicable act of stealing from a charity is unforgivable. [despicable: adjective]
Example
He was a despicable man who took advantage of vulnerable people. [despicable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hateful is more commonly used in everyday language than despicable. Hateful can be used in a wider range of contexts, while despicable is more specific and often used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hateful and despicable?
Despicable is generally considered more formal and serious than hateful. It is often used in more formal writing or speech, such as news articles or legal documents, to convey a strong moral judgment.
